Lions get massive lineman, fan favorite a touchdown catch on trick play

Dan Skipper is in the end zone, and this time there’s no flag surrounding him.

The Detroit Lions used a trick play in the second quarter of their big matchup against the Buffalo Bills on Sunday by finding their offensive tackle open and getting six points on the board. Down 21-7, the Lions ran play-action, and quarterback Jared Goff rolled to his left to find a wide-open Skipper. The 6-10, 330-pound lineman ran and then powered through Buffalo defensive back Cam Lewis to cross the goal line.

A replay of the play showed the Skipper lined up as a tight end on the play, thus making himself eligible for a reception after reporting to the referee. It’s a notable moment since Skipper was the subject of a controversial play last season.

Against the Dallas Cowboys last December, the Lions appeared to convert a two-point conversion pass to offensive lineman Taylor Decker to give the team a late lead on the road. However, the play was flagged after referees said Decker didn’t report himself eligible and it was Skipper who did − even though it appeared the referees made a mistake. The Lions ended up losing the game.

In the Week 6 rematch against Dallas, the Lions had Skipper line up as a receiver late in a blowout 47-9 victory. He didn’t get a catch in that game, but he finally does this time, and it comes with a touchdown.

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Skipper became the third offensive lineman in franchise history to score a receiving touchdown, joining Decker and Scott Conover.